The Austin Planetarium (FOTAP) would like to thank all of the volunteers who have
given their time, efforts and money toward realizing the vision of a planetarium in Austin.
Funding to expand upon the work of FOTAP is welcome. Please use our
Contact Us page to learn more.
Corporate Sponsors
In order to fulfill the goal of FOTAP, building a planetarium in Austin, financial corporate support
is of the utmost importance. We are therefore very grateful for the businesses listed below. Not
only did they donate generously to FOTAP, but were among the first to do so; a clear sign of their
leadership and vision.
$5000 - $24999
$2500 - $4999
$1000 - $2499
Endorsements and Other Support
A number of civic leaders from the Austin area have provided letters of endorsement for the
future Austin Planetarium after meeting with FOTAP representatives. Each has agreed to
"wholeheartedly support" the Austin Planetarium and work being done to realize
the goal of bringing a planetarium to fruition. These letters represent various perspectives,
including those from educational, business, governmental and scientific communities. We share
excerpts with you here, leading with comments of Dr. David Lambert, successor to Dr. Frank
Bash as director of McDonald Observatory as of October 1, 2003.
Our experience is that many young people who pursue careers in science, engineering and
technology often begin with an interest in astronomy. Communicating the wonders of the
universe to our students is the beginning of this process. As Texas raises the bar for
passage of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test, an Austin Planetarium
will enrich the science curriculum for the Austin area's school children.
David Lambert
Director, W.J. McDonald Observatory
Isabel McCutcheon Harte Centennial Chair
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As Executive Director of the Austin Children's Museum, I am committed to supporting quality
educational experiences that help children fulfill their inherent abilities to learn. It's
really about the 'aha moments', the reactions for children that are part of the never-ending
adventure of education. Our children's quest for knowledge deserves the best education Austin
can provide. [The Planetarium] will become a learning center and science resource for the kids
of Austin, their parents and grandparents.
Gwendolyn K. Crider
Former Executive Director
Austin Children's Museum
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As a State Representative who deals with many technologically oriented enterprises and with many
educational issues, I understand the need for a well-educated workforce. And as an elected official
in a prosperous, growing area, I was surprised and concerned to learn that the city of Austin now
ranks 16th in population in the country and is the only one of the top twenty cities that does not
have a planetarium.
Dawnna Dukes
State Representative, District 46
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Astronomy. . .stimulates excitement for all fields of science. It encourages young and old to
reach farther than they thought possible. Such a facility spreads a unique knowledge of the
marvelous universe and it would allow everyone. . .an experience they will never forget.
Gene Hardy, Director
Marian Blakemore Planetarium
Midland, Texas
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As a banker and business leader who deals with many technologically oriented enterprises, I
understand the need for a well-educated workforce [which] requires the best education we can
provide. The unique educational opportunities provided by a planetarium will. . .inspire young
minds to continue their exploration of the universe. I still remember with awe a visit many
years ago to Burke Baker Planetarium in Houston.
Brick Sudderth
Executive Vice President
American Bank of Commerce
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Full copies of these endorsement letters are available upon request.
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